Michelle N.
Fremont, WA
R+ sniff walks & enrichment visits
Pet care experience
I am a full-time Fear Free certified pet stylist and have nearly a decade of professional pet industry experience. I previously managed a high volume boarding & daycare facility in Southern California, spent several years as a full time pet sitter, and also have professional experience caring for small mammals, reptiles, and birds. I make it a priority to always continue my education, both in regards to grooming techniques as well as animal behavior, by frequently attending webinars/seminars, classes, and conventions. I’m currently working on my Fear Free Pet Sitter certification. When I moved to Seattle in 2017, I took a long break from Rover to transition into dog grooming, but I am happy to be back offering limited walks and visits, with an emphasis on positive reinforcement and force free handling. I’ve worked with pets of all ages, sizes, breeds, and temperaments, including special needs & disabled pets as well as reactive dogs. I am well versed in dog body language and force free training techniques. I am comfortable handling high-anxiety dogs and have experience working through various forms of aggression and reactivity. I’m happy to administer oral, topical, and injectable medications as necessary. I am familiar with a wide variety of common ailments as well as critical and non-critical signs of stress. I will not hesitate to seek vet care for your pet in an emergency. I currently own a sweet and spunky Jack Russell terrier named Chickpea, who I’ve supported and worked with through isolation distress and dog reactivity since adopting her 5 years ago.
Reviews
Shoutout to Michelle for going above and beyond to help us out with our dog who isn’t always the easiest. We appreciate you!
Michelle is so great with our pups. We know they are in good hands when we are out. Highly recommend!
Michelle was so communicative and I’m so glad she could help us out! She was empathetic to Waffles’ feelings and our dog got his needs met. Would def use her again!
Michelle was great with my spunky/spicy reactive pup and has an excellent handle on dog body language and meeting enrichment needs outside of traditional walks, which I really appreciate!
About Michelle N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My dog is not a huge fan of sharing space with other pets, so I’m unable to provide any services in my own home. I’m happy to travel to your home for visits though. For your dog’s safety, I request that my dog clients have a properly fitted harness (ideally a y-style back clip harness that allows for freedom of movement), paired with a standard 4’ - 10’ loose leash. I’m happy to provide a sturdy leash for the walk if you don’t have one that fits within those parameters. I do not use retractable leashes or aversive training tools such as prong or e-collars, or allow any dogs in my care to be off-leash outdoors unless in a private fenced yard or at a designated off-leash dog park or Sniffspot. I use positive reinforcement training and force free methods during walks and drop-in visits to reinforce desired behavior during our time together. Your dog’s physical safety as well as their emotional and mental well-being are of the utmost importance to me.
Information Michelle N. would like to know about your pet
Does your dog have any reactivity towards people or other animals, especially when on leash? What are some specific cues/phrases that you use with them? Any health or behavioral issues I need to be mindful of? Resource guarding? Reactivity? Pica? Do they have any anxiety or discomfort in regards to being touched/lifted/handled? Food allergies or dietary restrictions? My visits include lots of treats. I’m happy to provide some treats, but if your dog has dietary restrictions, please either make me aware of those ahead of time or have designated food/treats available for visits.
A typical day
A typical walk with me will include lots of sniffing and treats. I allow the dog to set the pace of the walk and sniff as much as they’d like. I encourage dogs to engage with their environment and choose the route. Highly structured walks are not my style. The walk is for your dog, they should get to make choices about what that looks like for them (within the realm of safety.) I’m also happy to discuss longline decompression walks, please send me a message if this is something you’re interested in! I’m happy to drop in for short visits to check on, feed, and walk your dogs or cats. I can provide play time and enrichment and work on basic training techniques, as well as administer medication.
Services
Michelle can watch in your home
Availability
Due to the long hours I spend at the grooming salon, and in order to provide the best possible care for my own dog, I’m only able to accept walking/drop-in requests at this time.
About Michelle N.
Communication
Skills
Safety, trust & environment
My dog is not a huge fan of sharing space with other pets, so I’m unable to provide any services in my own home. I’m happy to travel to your home for visits though. For your dog’s safety, I request that my dog clients have a properly fitted harness (ideally a y-style back clip harness that allows for freedom of movement), paired with a standard 4’ - 10’ loose leash. I’m happy to provide a sturdy leash for the walk if you don’t have one that fits within those parameters. I do not use retractable leashes or aversive training tools such as prong or e-collars, or allow any dogs in my care to be off-leash outdoors unless in a private fenced yard or at a designated off-leash dog park or Sniffspot. I use positive reinforcement training and force free methods during walks and drop-in visits to reinforce desired behavior during our time together. Your dog’s physical safety as well as their emotional and mental well-being are of the utmost importance to me.
Information Michelle N. would like to know about your pet
Does your dog have any reactivity towards people or other animals, especially when on leash? What are some specific cues/phrases that you use with them? Any health or behavioral issues I need to be mindful of? Resource guarding? Reactivity? Pica? Do they have any anxiety or discomfort in regards to being touched/lifted/handled? Food allergies or dietary restrictions? My visits include lots of treats. I’m happy to provide some treats, but if your dog has dietary restrictions, please either make me aware of those ahead of time or have designated food/treats available for visits.
A typical day
A typical walk with me will include lots of sniffing and treats. I allow the dog to set the pace of the walk and sniff as much as they’d like. I encourage dogs to engage with their environment and choose the route. Highly structured walks are not my style. The walk is for your dog, they should get to make choices about what that looks like for them (within the realm of safety.) I’m also happy to discuss longline decompression walks, please send me a message if this is something you’re interested in! I’m happy to drop in for short visits to check on, feed, and walk your dogs or cats. I can provide play time and enrichment and work on basic training techniques, as well as administer medication.
Location
Seattle, WA
Pets
Michelle N.
Fremont, WA